Sixteen years ago Mary Ortiz and her daughter Katherine Robles decided to build a Puerto Rican bakery. After much success, it was time to expand. On Wednesday the family celebrated a new beginning as the City held a ribbon cutting ceremony and the Secretary of State gave them a proclamation at their new larger store at 610 Arch St.

“We went from 3,000 square feet to 9,000 square feet and we have more room to expand if we need to,” said Robles. “We hope to offer a lot of new products and breakfast soon as well. New Britain does not have a lot of breakfast places. Hopefully, it takes off.”

Carmelo Rodriguez, head of the New Britain Latino Coalition, who is leading Barrio Latino or Little Puerto Rico, said it was a joyful day.

“It was their dream to have a bakery and they had one. But, their dream did not stay at a local place. The dream went to another level. They took the challenge,” said Rodriguez. “We are so proud about it. Three females run this business. We have women power in New Britain.”

Rodriguez said this is the perfect model when the community works together for the common good of the City.

“We are very excited and very grateful,” said Ortiz. “My family has been 100 percent supportive. Without the customers, we could not do any of this.”

Denise Merrill, secretary of state, was unable to attend, but sent a representative to give a proclamation to Ortiz, Robles and Maria Bravo (lead pastry chef). It stated that Merrill recognizes the young business women who have made their dream come true. It wished them many years of success. A proclamation was also given to Carmelo Rodriguez for all his involvement in helping businesses succeed.

“This is a perfect example of business owners who want to expand in New Britain and stay in New Britain and keep their jobs and people employed right here in New Britain,” said Mayor Erin Stewart. “That is most important.”

Mayor Stewart said the New Britain Latino Coalition is replicating what has been done on Broad Street.

“Here is your first prime example of how that replication is working,” said Stewart. “We want a Little Puerto Rico and a Little Poland and we will not stop until we get there.”

“I am excited because this is another step in the revitalization in Barrio Latino on Arch Street,” said Ald. Kristian Rosado. “It is a good sign that they were able to expand.”

Ald. Daniel Salerno said this new location is a terrific facility.

“It is so much larger and in a great location,” Salerno said. “It is going to be a credit to the surrounding neighborhood. This is a great Latino Barrio improvement.”

“I am extremely delighted they have had a substantial expansion to the Barrio Latino. I am very proud of Mary and her staff. They are going to be very successful,” Bill Carroll, economic development director, said.

Tim Stewart, Greater New Britain Chamber Director said he often gets bread at Borinquen in the morning.

“This is wonderful. This has been in the works for quite some time. All the stars aligned for her,” said Tim Stewart. “It is a great addition to this neighborhood and so far it has been as busy as can be.”

Besides pastries, the store sells a variety of sandwiches. For more information call 860-826-1019.